A MUSICIAN-turned foster carer is urging Glaswegians to consider opening their lives to children as Glasgow City Council paid tribute to their carers.

A MUSICIAN-turned-foster carer is urging Glaswegians to open their hearts to children in need.

Tracey Foy wants to open people’s eyes to the possibility of fostering after she opened her life to kids despite having no previous experience.

Her appeal came as Foster Care Fortnight highlights the work of fosterers and the need for more across Britain.

Tracey always thought she would foster or adopt after urging her mother to do so in her youth.

The 38-year-old, from Maryhill, said: “I decided it was the right time to do it and help out some children who need it.

“There have been ups and downs and it’s not always easy but it has been really rewarding. I have never had children of my own but that means I can come at fostering from a different and positive angle.

“I came in fresh and could adapt easily and I think that has been of benefit.”

Tracey spoke out as the UK’s largest fostering agency Foster Care Associates launched a national car rally from St Enoch Square on Monday to raise awareness and answer the public’s questions.

Monday also saw Glasgow City Council pay tribute to the city’s new carers after a record rise in the size of the fostering family.

They recruited 68 new carers in the past year, the biggest annual rise since the launch of a sustained recruitment campaign in 2005.

A two per cent rise in the weekly allowances paid to Glasgow City Council foster carers was also announced.

Council leader Gordon Matheson said: “Glasgow is proud of the fact that it supports its vulnerable and it is only right that we increase the allowances we pay to foster carers to support the children in their care.”

Meanwhile, East Renfrewshire Council made an urgent plea for local foster families for teens and siblings.

The local authority said being placed with the right foster carers locally will give children the opportunity to continue with their education in the same area, keep the same circle of friends, and keep brothers and sisters together.

If you think you are cut out for it, contact FCA on 0800 023 4561, East Renfrewshire Council on 577 3367 or Glasgow City Council on 0845 270 0609.

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